Round 2 - Q A.pdf

ROUND 2: QUESTIONS AND

ANSWERS

QUESTION 1:

The Q&A mentioned the follow-on effort will be a larger effort. Would you be willing to share how it will be procured (perhaps a specific contracting vehicle)? When will the procurement for the follow-on effort be initiated?

ANSWER 1:

All to be determined at a later date.

QUESTION 2:

Under PWS paragraph 3.10, is this cost accounted for in CLIN 0008?

ANSWER 2:

Yes. All travel will be accounted for in CLIN 0008.

QUESTION 3:

Will cost associated with obtaining KSA Visas be allowable to be charged under CLIN 0008?

ANSWER 3:

Yes. See Appendix B, Definitions, of the PWS for all that is considered Contractor Travel.

QUESTION 4:

Section B – Supplies and Services and Prices on Page 5 of 85 states: “ITEM NO 0008 - TRAVEL COST - Travel shall be in accordance with the Performance Work Statement, the Joint Travel Regulation and the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 31. Travel is a non-profit bearing line item. This is a NOT TO EXCEED (NTE) CLIN with a NTE amount of $2,000,000.00.”

Question: Should the Travel cost associated with deploying and redeploying employees to the KSA to support this contract be considered part of this NTE CLIN or is travel to / from the KSA to be included in each CLIN (0009 – 0027) as a part of the Unit Price where “Unit Price” is defined as “an all-inclusive fully-burdened monthly rate including, but not limited to, lodging, medical, transportation, rate of pay, profit, subsistence, program management, etc.”

ANSWER 4:

Travel to / from the KSA will be covered under CLIN 0008, Travel. All travel for this contract as required by the PWS will be covered under CLIN 0008.

QUESTION 5:

Section F of the Past Performance Information sheet on page 77 of 85 states: “For each of the applicable sub-factors under the Technical factor in paragraph L.1.2.A, illustrate how your experience on this program applies to that sub-factor.”

Question: Section L.1.2.A was not included in the RFP. Would the Government confirm that Section F on page 77 is referring to sub factors L.3.1.1 Program Management, L.3.1.2 Staffing, L.3.1.3 Instruction Quality Control, and L.3.1.4 Documentation?

ANSWER 5:

Past Performance Information sheet on page 77 of 85 should state: "For each of the applicable sub-factors under the Technical factor in paragraph L.3.1., illustrate how…". An Amendment will be issued to correct paragraph mistake.

QUESTION 6:

Paragraph 3.1 on Page 47 of 85 states, “The MFT is composed of stakeholders in the acquisition.

These stakeholders are responsible for this acquisition throughout the life of the requirement. For a list of the stakeholders for this acquisition, see the attached signature page.”

Question: The list of stakeholders for this acquisition could not be located. Would the Government please provide the “signature page” that contains this list?

ANSWER 6:

This was meant for internal routing purposes only and should have been removed. An amendment will be issued removing the last sentence from paragraph 3.1. as quoted in the question.

QUESTION 7:

Paragraph 4 STEP Five on Page 34 of 85 states, “The Contractor will be reimbursed for all allowable costs of property purchased after payment has been made. Reimbursable costs for Contractor-acquired property shall not include facilities cost of money, fee or profit for the Contractor or any overhead/G&A rate.”

Question: Would the Government please define the term property as used in this context? Should this term be construed to mean any Miscellaneous Equipment, Tools, or Supplies acquired under CLIN 0001 or does the term “property” only apply to specific items procured under CLIN 0001?

Question: If a bidder’s disclosure statement require that the bidder burden any material/ODC purchase with indirect rates (I.E. G&A, Overhead, etc.) then would the Government be amendable to allowing the Contractor to be reimbursed for these costs as a burden to acquired property under the resultant Contract in order to ensure that bidder remain in accordance with their CAS Disclosure Statement?

ANSWER 7:

The term "property" as used in this context refers to any Miscellaneous Equipment, Tools, or Supplies procured under CLIN 0001.

Yes, if a bidder is required under a CAS Disclosure Statements to burden any material/ODC purchases with indirect rates then that would be deemed an allowable cost and the Contractor would be reimbursed.

QUESTION 8:

How does the 4 page limit for each of [up to 4] reference contracts relate to the remainder of the Section L requirements in L3.2.1 through L3.2.5? These requirements seem to add page counts to the original 4 page limit. Is there a total Volume II page limit?

ANSWER 8:

Section L, Para. L.3.2. states: "Submit no more than four (4) references using Attachment 1 of this provision. References are limited to no more than four (4) pages per contract listed". The only page limit restriction placed on Volume II, Past Performance Information, in Section L is on each contract submitted for evaluation using the required Attachment 1.

QUESTION 9:

Since according to Par 3.3 of the PWS, the requirement for an On-Site Training Manager is expected to be filled by the RSAF, is it a requirement for the contractor to provide pricing for this line item at this time?

ANSWER 9:

Yes.

QUESTION 10:

If one were to add the required number of instructors identified in Exhibit A, the answered derived would be 93. Yet the number provided is 88. Please clarify the required number of instructors for this Program.

ANSWER 10:

Addition for the estimated total of instructors at the bottom of PWS Exhibit A is incorrect due to rounding of each estimated instructor number. The estimated total should reflect "93" as opposed to "88". An Amendment will be issued to correct this addition error in the PWS.

QUESTION 11:

When does the Travel CLIN apply and give an example of how it will be used?

ANSWER 11:

The Travel CLIN, CLIN 0008, will be utilized for all contractor travel required by the PWS as defined in Appendix B, Definitions, of the PWS. For example, one (1) instructor is required for Task Order X for a full 12 months. That instructor's airline ticket (which includes the required PWS Para. 3.4.

required personnel leave trip), excess baggage, physical exam, shots, visa, and shipment of personal effects.

QUESTION 12:

Section F cites a period of performance of 29 Mar 2013 - 28 Mar 2015 for each CLIN. The FAR clause 52.216-22 in Section I refers to a period of performance that ends 27 March 2016. Please explain the reason for the difference between 28 March 2015 used in Section F and 27 March 2016 in Section I.

ANSWER 12:

Clause 52.216-22, Indefinite Quantity, paragraph (d) states: "Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within the period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order". This means that if a Task Order were issued on the last day of the contract ordering period -- in this case 28 Mar 15 -- with a one (1) year period of performance, then completion of that order would be required through 27 Mar 16. No orders may be made past 28 Mar 15, however completed performance of any order made prior to 28 Mar 15 is required until 27 Mar 16.

QUESTION 13:

Section L contains 2 different paragraphs each numbered L.3.3.2.2.

Section M contains 2 different paragraphs each numbered M.5.1.1.

Reference Paragraph L.2.4.5. The stated image area of 9 x 15^1/2 conflicts with the instruction of Paragraph L.2.4.1. and should be changed to 9 x 15 for conformity.

ANSWER 13:

The second Section L paragraph numbered L.3.3.2.2. should be L.3.3.2.3. and the second Section M paragraph numbered M.5.1.1. should be numbered M.5.1.2. Each of these will be corrected through amendment to the solicitation.

The stated page size in Section L paragraph L.2.4.1. is in reference to pages other than foldouts.

Section L paragraph L.2.4.5. describes the requirement for foldouts. Each page size and subsequent image area is correct. No change will be made to Section L.

QUESTION 14:

Paragraph L.2.2. provides an address to "mail three hard copies…". Can the proposal be hand delivered or delivered by an overnight service such as FedEx? If so, is the mailing address provided the correct location identification for overnight and hand-carried deliveries? If not, what is the delivery address / instructions for proposal delivered by other than the USPS?

ANSWER 14:

No additional instruction will be directed or given by the Government regarding the requirement of Section L, Paragraph L.2.2. The mailing address as indicated in Section L, Paragraph L.2.2. is the correct address for all deliveries. Proposals are due at the time, date, and location as stipulated in the solicitation.

QUESTION 15:

Paragraph L.2.4.3. does not mention a compliance matrix. As a roadmap between the solicitation requirements and the proposal, may the contractor include a compliance matrix in the front matter of the proposal, excluded from the page count, for the convenience of the government?

ANSWER 15:

Yes.

QUESTION 16:

Will all courses be taught in two 8 hour shifts or only those with larger student throughput? If the latter can you please clarify exactly which courses will require contractor instructors to work other than first shift?

ANSWER 16:

Due to the estimated student populations by AFSC, refer to Exhibit A page 38, it is anticipated that training will be required for each specialty on two shifts. If the contractor can meet the requirements of the PWS, those specialties with 10 or less projected students can be accomplished on one shift.

QUESTION 17:

PWS Paragraph 3.3 states that the contractor will only provide Training Managers if RSAF doesn’t have someone available. It is then understood that the contractor will not have a direct person who is a lead on base and this should be planned and paid for out of company indirect rates. Are On-Site Training Managers expected to be embedded into the RSAF Training Sections when provided by the contractor or will they work independently?

ANSWER 17:

Contract on-site training managers are expected to be embedded with existing RSAF training sections.

QUESTION 18:

Under PWS paragraph 3.7, can you please clarify the specific licenses and permits that are being referenced?

ANSWER 18:

The contractor will be required to meet provisions of ITAR parts 125 and 126. A Foreign Military Sales Government to Government Letter of Acceptance is in place for this training. FMS case SR-D-

SAI.

QUESTION 19:

Ref PWS 3.19 states “the contractor will request access to the RSAF F-15C/D/S CSTOs through the AFSAT United States Central Command Division (D02/DOC) to Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, F- 15 Foreign Logistics Division (WR-ALC/GRMI). In conjunction with the AFSAT/D02/DOC access request, WR-ALC/GRMI will issue a username and password that will provide the Contractor technical data access via the RSAF Print-on Demand (POD) server.”

QUESTION: Is access to the courseware on a Learning Management System (LMS) or Learning Content Management System (LCMS)?

ANSWER 19:

No, the primary source documents planned for identifying training requirements are the respective AFSC CFEPT which are available by request to the contractor. Field training detachment courseware will be made available as it is released for disclosure to the RSAF.

QUESTION 20:

Ref PWS 3.22.2 states “If the Contractor deems that a student should be released from training for any reason, the Contractor shall immediately contact the RSAF Training Section designated Point of Contact (POC) at the training site and the RSAF will decide whether the student will continue in the upgrade training program. The Contractor shall have the right to terminate training on any student who threatens Contractor instructors or fellow students. The RSAF may not override terminations if these situations arise. The Contractor shall provide the CO and AFSAT TPM/COR a summary of the student performance and the RSAF decision on training continuation.”

QUESTION: Does the government have a specified format for the “summary of the student performance” or is it on ATEC Form 258, or is this a contractor developed form with contractor determined attachments?

ANSWER 20:

AETC form 258 is not applicable, this form is intended for the student to provide feedback of training.

No format is specified, the contractor may develop as appropriate provided it contains a detailed summary of student performance.

QUESTION 21:

Ref PWS 3.24.3 states “the Contractor shall provide a detailed tracking system to record and document maintenance actions and aircraft/equipment issues to AFSAT TPM/COR, upon request.

Documentation shall include all aircraft/equipment maintenance actions performed during the span of maintenance training activities and any related aircraft/equipment issues.”

QUESTION: Does the government have any specific requirements for the maintenance recording and tracking system such as:

a. Specified forms that must be completed?

b. Automated interfaces that will be required

ANSWER 21:

No, methodology and forms utilized are at the discretion of the contractor.

QUESTION 22:

Ref L.3.1.4 Subfactor 4 – Documentation (PWS Section I, Paragraphs 3.19., 3.21.1.1., 3.21.1.2.,3.21.1.3., 3.21.1.4., 3.21.1.5., 3.22., 3.22.1., 3.22.2., 3.22.3., 3.24.3.): The offeror shall provide a detailed plan for (a) creating, (b) collecting, and (c) transmitting student performance documentation.

QUESTION: Do students have computer available so they can access a portal to their student and training information?

QUESTION: What are the transmittal format requirements to the RSAF and AFSAT, i.e. Microsoft Office format?

QUESTION: Does the RSAF and AFSAT require access to the training management capability/system?

ANSWER 22:

No central database exits to store, retrieve, or access student training information. All information is paper based.

Microsoft Office or PDF format is acceptable for transmittal of training information.

Beyond contractor reporting requirements, AFSAT or RSAF will not require access to contractor training management systems.

QUESTION 23:

Will the government please provide the course charts for the Field Training courses required for upgrade training so that the contractor can effectively assess the workloads and requirements of the courses to incorporate them into the proposal? FTD courses shift instructors from the OJT portion of upgrade training and understanding the content of the courses and the manpower (to include multiple instructor requirements, or MIRs, and equipment requirements) impact is important to planning and pricing. FTD courses have their own instructor-to-student ratios which may affect risk assessments for the 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio. (re: PWS para 2.4, Pg 27, RFP)

ANSWER 23:

All field training courses intended for program use are currently undergoing foreign disclosure review. Following disclosure release all courseware will be available to contractor review.

QUESTION 24:

A similar required at Sheppard AFB for Technical Training Instructors for RSAF influx has CLINs for conventional munitions instruction (2W0x1) and materiel management (“supply”, 2S0x1) AFSCs, but this UGT effort does not reference those AFSCs. Is this an administrative oversight, simply not required support, or does the government expect to potentially add or remove AFSCs from the CLIN listing provided? (re: Exhibit A, pg 38, CLINs, PWS 1.3, pg 26)

ANSWER 24:

Exclusion of referenced AFSCs was intentional.

QUESTION 25:

In PWS 3.19. TO access, some TOs for back shop AFSCs (AGE, Metals Tech, NDI) may require tech data which is not F-15 unique. Will AFSAT’s CENTCOM division support those technical orders?

ANSWER 25:

Support system technical orders will be accessed via the same method as aircraft specific technical orders referenced in paragraph 3.19.

QUESTION 26:

PWS 2.2: CFETPs for non-weapons system unique Air Force Specialties, such as 2A6 and 2A7 series, may require certification or knowledge on systems other than the F-15 for 5-level upgrade. Will the Air Force require the contractor to meet CFETP training requirements on aircraft and systems not in use or available? (ie, CFETP 2A6X6’s GO81 familiarization in A2.6.1). If not (and it makes sense to not teach non-relevant information) How will exceptions be handled?

ANSWER 26:

CFETP training requirements that are not applicable to the RSAF will not be required to be part of the OJT. Each specialty CFETP, in Part II STS section, includes a statement which states “Core tasks which are not applicable to base assigned aircraft or equipment are not required for upgrade (units are not required to send personnel TDY for core task training).” A training records annotation (623a or similar) in the students training records will identify tasks that are not applicable and are not required for upgrade. No further actions will be required.

QUESTION 27:

PWS 2.2 CFETP requirements: Will the Air Force make CBTs available for CFETP unique 5-level upgrade requirements (i.e. course J6ANU00066-46 for 2A6x6, item A2.6.3 in CFETP 2A6X6) or will they not be required? If not required, how will such exceptions be handled?

ANSWER 27:

USAF CBTs will not be accessible by RSAF. CFETP training requirements that are not applicable to the RSAF will not be required to be part of the OJT. Each specialty CFETP, in Part II STS section, includes a statement which states “Core tasks which are not applicable to base assigned aircraft or equipment are not required for upgrade (units are not required to send personnel TDY for core task training).” A training records annotation (623a or similar) in the students training records will identify tasks that are not applicable and are not required for upgrade. No further actions will be required.

QUESTION 28:

Paragraph 3.3 on Page 27 of 85 states: “The Contractor shall provide qualified (see para 3.17.1) personnel to meet the duties and responsibilities specified in the PWS. The Contractor shall designate a single-point-of-contact and shall coordinate the interface between the USG and the subcontractors, suppliers/vendors, and contractor‘s corporate office, as well as the various On-site Training Mangers to be provided by the RSAF.”

Question: Please provide a job description and detailed breakdown of the roles and responsibilities that are to be accomplished by the RSAF On-site Training Manger.

ANSWER 28:

The on-site training manager will fulfill a similar role as a USAF unit training manager. The intended duties, roles and responsibilities for this position will align with the responsibilities of the UTM.

Refer to paragraph 6.6. of AFI 36-2201.

QUESTION 29:

Paragraph 3.3 on Page 27 of 85 states: “In the event the RSAF does not designate/provide an On-site Training Manager a Task Order (TO) will be issued against the On-Site Training Manager Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) and the Contractor shall then provide and designate one On-site Training Manager, per location to act as the focal point for all RSAF training with regard to this program. Each On-site Training Manager will report to and coordinate all training requirements with the Contractor designated single-point-of-contact. The RSAF will have a Training Office at each training site to ensure effective RSAF and Contractor communications.”

Question: Please provide a detailed job description and breakdown of the roles and responsibilities of a Contractor provided On-site Training Manager and how that position differs from a RSAF provided Training Manager.

ANSWER 29:

The on-site training manager will fulfill a similar role as a USAF unit training manager. The intended duties, roles and responsibilities for this position will align with the responsibilities of the UTM.

Refer to paragraph 6.6. of AFI 36-2201. Contractor and RSAF TM will jointly share training manager responsibilities.

QUESTION 30:

At what time will the contractor will be notified of the exact number of students who will be entered into UGT per selected AFSC?

ANSWER 30:

Current RSAF students attend English language training until they reach their following training English language minimum comprehension level, then they are scheduled 9 weeks of Specialized English Training. Because language progression is individually based and attrition rate estimates vary widely, follow on training is not scheduled until the student meets their designated AFSC language requirement. Because of this, UGT numbers can only be estimated and the expected graduation date from technical training and start of UGT will not be known until they are scheduled follow-on training.

QUESTION 31:

Will the USAF provide train-the-trainer courseware/curriculum?

ANSWER 31:

Yes train-the-trainer material will be made available. Recently the USAF discontinued use of the train-the-trainer course (Air Force Training Course). A two day slide presentation/briefing was developed and released for use to meet this requirement. This presentation will be provided upon contractor request.

QUESTION 32:

Is consideration taken due to the fact English language is a secondary language to the RSAF trainee and USAF CDCs are written for native English speakers?

ANSWER 32:

A primary requirement of this program by the RSAF is for trainees to meet the same requirements and standards as similar USAF trainees. AFI 36-2201 requirements for completion of CDCs is 30 days per volume. As such, the expectation is for RSAF trainees to meet this same requirement.

QUESTION 33:

When will (time period) the USAF notify contractor if RSAF cannot support the program with an On-site

Training Manager?

ANSWER 33:

Every effort will be made to provide the maximum time period possible of the requirement to provide an On-site Training Manager. This requirement will be passed to the contractor as it is available.

QUESTION 34:

Please provide clarification of short-notice and surge capabilities as referred to in Paragraph 3.5 of the PWS.

ANSWER 34:

Due to the unpredictability of student progression through English language training, and subsequently their follow-on training, students entering upgrade training may at times surge or decrease requiring an associated rise or decrease in instructor requirements. Short-notice and surge capability are considered, as the example in Para. 3.5. gives, any Task Order that would be out of the norm in regards to the number of instructors ordered. If, for example, throughout the first six (6) months of the contract TOs for two (2) and three (3) instructors are being issued each month. Month seven (7) comes along and a TO for the maximum allowable ordering amount is issued. How would the Contractor handle the recruiting and logistics of that order? The term “short-notice” means any order out of the norm as exampled above.

QUESTION 35:

Will block visas be provided by the RSAF/MOI/MOF for the required positions?

ANSWER 35:

It is not likely that contractor visas will be processed in groups. Visa process typically requires submission of individual visa application, photos, and passport. For planning purposes, anticipate visas being processed individually.

QUESTION 36:

Will the RSAF accept employees who do not have experience on the F-15 but with another fighter aircraft such as F-16?

ANSWER 36:

Instructor requirements are identified in paragraph 3.17.1 of the PWS. This requirement includes experience on fighter aircraft other than F-15C/D/E/S.

QUESTION 37:

Paragraph 3.21.1.2 of the PWS states that an AETC Form 325 shall be provided. Who will the contractor provide these reports to? RSAF or USAF?

ANSWER 37:

Refer to paragraph 3.21.1.5. of the PWS for instructions on form distribution.

QUESTION 38:

What is the means of transmission that is to be used for the AETC Form 325? (email, central database or other means)?

ANSWER 38:

Refer to paragraph 3.21.1.5. of the PWS for instructions.

QUESTION 39:

Will the contractor have the opportunity to ensure that facilities meet their training requirements?

(example: overhead projectors, etc.)

ANSWER 39:

A USG led site survey was conducted at the proposed training location and deemed adequate to conduct training. The USG will not make arrangements for the contractor to evaluate facilities prior to contract award. If the contractor desires to evaluate facilities, it will be coordinate by the contractor through the RSAF at the contractor’s expense.

QUESTION 40:

Will the contractor be provided training records of all inbound trainees?

ANSWER 40:

The only training records available to the RSAF, and thereby the contractor, will be the student graduation certificate from their respective USAF technical training school.

QUESTION 41:

It is our understanding that Contractors performing work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must comply with what is called Saudization. This simplistically means that 20% of the workforce must be Saudi Nationals. Because the work required by this solicitation does not lend itself to performance by Saudis and inasmuch as the Saudization is not called out in the RFP, industry would like to know if there has been some special dispensation agreed to for this effort or if Saudization is something, that we are expected to build into a proposal.

ANSWER 41:

The best of the Government's knowledge, Saudization does not apply to this requirement.

QUESTION 42:

Will the contractor have the authority to schedule/determine individual student training start dates?

ANSWER 42:

The contractor will be responsible for scheduling all student training events, including training start dates, and coordinate these actions with the appropriate RSAF organization.

QUESTION 43:

PWS Section I, para 2.3. "...development of CDC specific End of Course Exam, and development of CDC specific Specialty Knowledge Test." End of Course exams (EOCs) are generally used at the end of CDCs to determine course proficiency. CDC-specific Specialty Knowledge Tests, which are used in the USAF for promotion testing, would be an additional and somewhat redundant requirement. We recommend the development of this Specialty Knowledge Test be eliminated as a requirement to save time and money.

ANSWER 43:

Contractor created CDC End of Course Exam and Specialty Knowledge Test for each specialty is a requirement.

QUESTION 44:

What ratio or number of students will be assigned to "C/D" models and what ratio or number of students will be assigned to "S" model?

ANSWER 44:

King Khalid AB will be the primary location conducting OJT as specified in paragraph 1.2 of the PWS.

This location currently operates only the F-15S model aircraft. With the exception of PMEL, all students are anticipated to receive training on the F-15S. F-15C/D model aircraft were included in the PWS in the event these aircraft become available as training aircraft or are reassigned to King Khalid AB during the contract period of performance.